Gangwon

Hwangji Pond

Hwangji Pond is a small spring-fed pond at the literal source of the Nakdonggang, Korea's second-longest river, in the heart of Taebaek city. Despite its modest size, the pond pumps out roughly 5,000 tons of clear water per day from a spring at the bottom, never freezing even in Taebaek's bitter winters. A short stone walkway loops around the water, with bilingual panels explaining the river's 510-kilometer journey to the South Sea. The site is steeped in folklore — locals point out the spot where, legend says, a stingy landlord was punished and his estate sank to form the pond. It's a fifteen-minute stop, easily combined with a ride up Taebaeksan or the nearby coal museum.